RUBANDA: Residents of Bubare Sub County in Rubanda District have called for urgent government intervention over the persistent water crisis, saying the failure of several water wells has forced them to rely on unsafe streams for domestic use.
The residents raised the concern on Wednesday, September 2, during the launch of a water well construction and renovation project in Rukyinda Cell, Ihanga Parish, Bubare Sub County.
The initiative was launched by Hamuhambo Town Council in partnership with the Bubare Sub County female District Councilor, Hon. Francine Turyazayo.
Speaking to our reporter during the renovation of a water well that had remained non-functional for more than 10 years, residents led by Florence Tusingwire and Kasaja Daudi said they had been relying on stream water for drinking and other domestic activities.
They warned that using untreated stream water exposes residents to water-borne diseases, particularly during the rainy season when runoff from roads and surrounding hills flows into the streams.
“We have been using stream water because our wells are not functioning. During the rainy season, the situation becomes even worse because dirty runoff water flows into the streams,” the residents said.
The residents appealed to the government to renovate all non-functional water wells across Bubare Sub County and revive the Kanyakwanzi Water Project, whose water pipes they said are no longer functioning.
Bubare Sub County LCIII Chairperson, Hon. Pius Tumwiine, commended Hon. Francine Turyazayo for initiating efforts to renovate existing water wells and construct new ones in areas where viable water sources are available.
Tumwiine said improving access to safe water would help reduce the risks associated with residents relying on unsafe water sources.
Hon. Francine Turyazayo reaffirmed her commitment to improving access to clean and safe water in Hamuhambo Town Council and Bubare Sub County.
She also called on the government to complete existing water projects, including the Bushuura Water Project, which is intended to supply clean water to villages experiencing water shortages in Hamuhambo Town Council.
The residents now hope that the ongoing well renovation programme will be expanded to other affected communities and that stalled water projects will be restored to ease the burden of accessing safe water.
